People choose to begin therapy for a number of reasons. Some are seeking tools to help them better navigate their lives. Others are looking to gain clarity about themselves and their behavior. A number of people come to therapy looking for a healing environment and support for experiences that have caused them pain – whether those experiences are current, tied to their past, or both.
For more information or to speak to one of our staff, please contact us at (805) 620-8046 or email us at info@venturacwc.org
Why Therapy?
What is anxiety? Are there different levels? How do I deal with it?
Anxiety is a reaction to circumstances that has physical, emotional, and mental components. A simple way to think of anxiety is as a combination of fear and anticipation. Anxious reactions can be triggered by routine, daily decisions or deep-rooted dynamics from our past. A basic understanding of what anxiety is and how it works could help you alleviate some of the symptoms. Relaxation techniques can also be very beneficial. Effective approaches for dealing with anxiety blend a mix of coping skills to calm the anxious reaction as it is happening, investigating the origins of our anxiety, and increasing the effectiveness of our ongoing self-care techniques.
For more information or to speak to one of our staff, please contact us at (805) 620-8046 or email us at info@venturacwc.org
I don't have full-blown depression. Is it possible to have mild depression or depressive symptoms every once in a while?
Yes, many people do suffer from mild depression and experience varied periods of depression. In fact, most people will experience at least one period of depression at some point during their life. Depression can be situational (based on disappointing or sad circumstances) or chemical/biological (based primarily on genetics and early environment). Whatever your situation may be, we’re here to help.
For more information or to speak to one of our staff, please contact us at (805) 620-8046 or email us at info@venturacwc.org
I have heard negative things about group therapy. What are the benefits?
The concept of “group therapy” may feel intimidating, especially because members are often strangers when the group begins. However, through the process of creating a safe environment, we begin to feel comfortable sharing difficult or complex feelings. This is when the magic begins! We learn that others have experienced similar transitions or encountered trauma that resembles our own. Group members develop the ability to share and to listen, withholding judgment when possible, and creating bonds in the process. We are granted powerful opportunities to witness each other’s growth at pivotal moments, enhancing or altering our own lives. Group therapy provides a space where you can end feelings of isolation and find support and advice from people who deeply understand at least part of your experience.
For more information or to speak to one of our staff, please contact us at (805) 620-8046 or email us at info@venturacwc.org
How do I handle and help my child during my divorce?
Children involved in divorce often initially react with shock, sadness, frustration, anger, or worry. The good news is that it’s possible for them to come out of the situation better able to cope with stress, and even go on to become more flexible, tolerant young adults! The most important things both parents can do to help kids through this difficult time are:
- Keep visible conflict, heated discussions, and legal talk away from the kids
- Minimize the disruptions to all kids’ daily routines
- Confine negativity and blame about each other to private therapy sessions and outside the home
- Keep each parent involved in the kids’ lives
Many kids will grieve the loss of the kind of family they’ve always known. They’ll miss the presence of both parents at the same time and the family they had. It’s common (and natural!) for some kids to hold out hope that their parents will get back together, even after the finality of divorce has been explained to them. It is important that parents reassure their children that it’s okay to wish that the parents will reunite, but also explain how certain both parents are of their decisions. Here are some ways to help kids cope with the upset of a divorce:
- Encourage honesty. Kids need to know that their feelings are important to their parents and that they will be taken seriously.
- Help them put their feelings into words. Kids’ behavior can often clue you into their feelings of sadness or anger. Be a good listener, even if it’s difficult for you to hear what they have to say.
- Legitimize their feelings. Saying “I know you feel sad now” or “I know it feels lonely without dad here” lets kids know that their feelings are valid.
Encourage kids to get it all out before you start offering ways to make it better. - Keep yourself healthy. For adults, separation and divorce are highly stressful. Finding ways to manage your own stress is essential for you and your entire family. By making sure you are taking care of your own needs, you’re ensuring that you will be in the best possible shape to take care of your kids.
Divorce can be a major crisis for a family. Fortunately, when you and your former spouse work together and communicate civilly for the benefit of your children, the original family unit can continue to be a source of strength.
For more information or to speak to one of our staff, please contact us at (805) 620-8046 or email us at info@venturacwc.org
How can I get in touch with Ventura Counseling and Wellness Center?
Drop us a line on our Contact Page or call us directly at (805) 620-8046. You can also email us at info@venturacwc.org
What kind of payments do you accept?
We want to make it easy for you to get our help! We accept cash, check, and credit card.
Regarding insurance: Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center accepts insurance as an out-of-network provider. Depending on your coverage, your insurer may cover the full cost of therapy, a portion of the fee, or none of the cost. Please inquire with your insurance carrier to determine your benefits for out-of-network psychotherapy. If you need help contacting your insurance company, one of our therapists will be happy to walk your through the process.